A Soldier’s Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A black army investigator shows up to solve a murder in the Jim Crow South, only to find out the victim was killed for being too much of a jerk to his own men.

🍿 A Soldier’s Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Murder of Sergeant Waters

In 1944 Louisiana, near a segregated army base, Sergeant Vernon Waters is found murdered. Initial suspicion falls on the local Ku Klux Klan, given the racial tensions of the time. However, the army brings in Captain Davenport, a black officer and lawyer, to investigate the crime, a move that is met with surprise and resistance from some of the white officers.

Davenport’s Investigation and Flashbacks

Davenport begins his investigation by interviewing the men under Sergeant Waters’ command. Through a series of flashbacks, the film reveals the complex and often contradictory nature of Waters’ character. He was a stern disciplinarian, deeply concerned with the image of black soldiers and often critical of those he saw as reinforcing negative stereotypes. This leads to a deeper exploration of the racial dynamics within the black community itself.

The Complicated Character of Sergeant Waters

The investigation reveals Waters’ complex and often harsh treatment of his men. He particularly despises C.J. Memphis, a talented but simple and illiterate guitar player, seeing him as an embodiment of the ‘geechie’ stereotype. Waters’ actions lead to C.J.’s tragic suicide after he is wrongly accused of a crime and imprisoned, creating resentment and anger among the other soldiers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins Jr.): A black Army captain and lawyer sent to investigate the murder of Sergeant Waters amidst racial tensions.
• Sergeant Waters (Adolph Caesar): A complex and controversial black sergeant whose murder sparks an investigation into racial dynamics and self-hatred.
• Private First Class Peterson (Denzel Washington): A defiant soldier who clashes with Sergeant Waters and takes matters into his own hands.
• Captain Taylor (Dennis Lipscomb): A white captain who initially doubts Davenport’s ability to investigate the murder but comes to respect him.
• Private Wilkie (Art Evans): Waters’ subordinate, conflicted and manipulated, who reveals crucial information about the sergeant’s actions.
• C.J. Memphis (Larry Riley): A charming and musically gifted soldier who becomes a target of Sergeant Waters’ contempt.
• Private Smalls (David Harris): A soldier who is conflicted about the actions made and the consequences that followed, eventually turning on his partner.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sergeant Waters: “You know the damage one ignorant Negro can do?” – Waters expresses his disdain for those he believes perpetuate negative stereotypes, hindering racial progress.
• Sergeant Waters: “They still hate you!” – Waters shouts this while being attacked, realizing the futility of his efforts to gain acceptance.
• Private Peterson: “Get your…hands off me!” – Peterson asserts his defiance against Waters’ oppressive behavior, showcasing his unwillingness to be subjugated.
• Captain Davenport: “Who gave you the right to judge? To decide who is fit to be a Negro – and who is not? Who?” – Davenport challenges Peterson’s justification for killing Waters, questioning his authority to make such a judgment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,821,347
• Worldwide Gross: $21,821,347

💥 A Soldier’s Story Reviews

Personal Review

This movie got to me! The way the story unfolds really makes you think about the different perspectives of being black in a white man’s world. Adolph Caesar’s performance as Sergeant Waters is mesmerizing. I loved how the flashbacks give so much depth to the story and the character’s motives. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in racial themes”
  • “Fans of Denzel Washington and Howard E. Rollins Jr.”
  • “People who enjoy thought-provoking mysteries”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racist language and themes”
  • “Violence”
  • “Discussion of suicide”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Norman Jewison delivers a compelling murder mystery that delves into the complexities of race relations within the African American community during World War II, showcasing stellar performances and a thought-provoking narrative. A must-see!
• Variety: “A powerful and insightful film that explores the internal struggles and external pressures faced by black soldiers in a segregated army, ‘A Soldier’s Story’ offers a nuanced perspective on race and identity through a gripping whodunit.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘A Soldier’s Story’ stands out as a remarkable achievement in cinematic storytelling, with its compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and unflinching examination of racial dynamics, all set against the backdrop of a captivating murder investigation.

Audience Reactions

The powerful performances from Denzel Washington and Adolph Caesar elevated the movie.: Viewers appreciate the thought-provoking exploration of racial tensions within the Black community.

The movie’s twist ending subverted expectations and added depth to the story.: Many viewers were captivated by the film’s complex characters and intricate plot.

Overall Consensus: A Soldier’s Story is a critically acclaimed film praised for its exploration of race, powerful performances, and compelling mystery.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1985

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Charles Fuller adapted the screenplay from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, ensuring the film retained its powerful message.”
• “Director Norman Jewison made ‘A Soldier’s Story’ as part of a trilogy of films addressing racial bigotry, along with ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and ‘The Hurricane’.”
• “Many of the cast members, including Adolph Caesar, Denzel Washington, and Larry Riley, reprised their roles from the original stage production, adding depth and authenticity to their performances.”
• “Filming took place at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, utilizing local buildings and extras to create a realistic setting for the WWII army base.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Soldier’s Story?

A Soldier’s Story is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Soldier’s Story, you might like these similar films:

• In the Heat of the Night (1967): Deals with racial prejudice in the American South, featuring a black detective investigating a murder.
• Glory (1989): Focuses on the experiences of black soldiers during the Civil War, highlighting their bravery and the discrimination they faced.
• The Color Purple (1985): Explores themes of racism, sexism, and resilience in the lives of African-American women in the early 20th century.
• In Country (1989): Deals with a returning Vietnam war vet trying to come to terms with his experience.

🛒 A Soldier’s Story Related Products

• A Soldier’s Story (Blu-ray): Experience this powerful drama in stunning high definition, complete with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• A Soldier’s Story – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Digital Download): Own the evocative soundtrack featuring Patti LaBelle and Herbie Hancock. Listen to the bluesy and jazz-infused music that brings the film to life.
• A Soldier’s Story Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for this iconic film.
• Denzel Washington: A Biography: Explore the life and career of Denzel Washington, featuring insights into his early roles, including his memorable performance in ‘A Soldier’s Story.’

🎧 Soundtrack

A Soldier’s Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Pourin’ Whiskey Blues” – performed by Patti LaBelle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“One Less Fool For The Race To Be Ashamed Of.” – A Soldier’s Story (1984) #shorts #movie #scene #war

Ever wondered about the layers of meaning behind that powerful line in ‘A Soldier’s Story’? This short clip breaks down the scene and gives you a whole new perspective. Honestly, it’s a real eye-opener!

“You know the damage one ignorant negro can do?”

This scene is intense! It really gets to the heart of the racial prejudice explored in ‘A Soldier’s Story’. You won’t believe how much it reveals about the characters and their motivations.

Get Yo FKN Hands Off Me

This clip from ‘A Soldier’s Story’ has some seriously powerful modern-day relevance! It connects the film’s themes to current social issues in a way you might not expect. Definitely worth checking out for a new perspective!

✨ Rate